Last week, September 4, Peacock celebrated the premiere of limited series FIGHT NIGHT: THE MILLION DOLLAR HEIST at Jazz at Lincoln Center, followed by an exclusive after party in The Appel Room overlooking Columbus Circle and Central Park.
Coinciding with the eve of NY Fashion Week, the red carpet kicked off with a surprise fashion show in partnership with GQ. Drawing inspiration from the series, models showcased high-fashion 70s-inspired looks, blending retro styles with modern sophistication. Adding to the 70s flair, the red carpet featured a replica of Chicken Man’s (played by Kevin Hart) 1966 Cadillac Calais, custom-built by the renowned West Coast Customs.
Over 800 guests were ushered into the Rose Theater for a packed screening of the first two episodes, “Round One: The Ballad of Chicken Man” and “Round Two: Fight Night”. Following the screening, attendees enjoyed an exclusive after-party, emanating 70’s nightclub, complete beats from DJ Trauma, and a photo op with Roc Nation’s Lenny Santiago’s iconic gold couch.
Attendees included Executive Producer Will Packer; Executive Producer, Writer, Creator, and Showrunner Shaye Ogbonna; Executive Producer and Star Kevin Hart; and cast including Samuel L. Jackson, Taraji P. Henson, Don Cheadle and Terrence Howard, Chloe Bailey, Sinqua Walls, Dexter Darden, Lori Harvey and more.
Additional celebrity guests included writer and comedian Amber Ruffin, Love Island USA S6 winner Kordell Beckham, actress and comedian Ego Nwodim (Mr. Throwback, SNL), actor and comedian Adam Pally (Mr. Throwback), WWE Star “Sheamus” Stephen Farrelly, rapper and singer SAINt JHN, actress Lorraine Toussaint, rapper Busta Rhymes, Chicago Sky basketball star Kysre Gondrezick, Guerdy Abraira (The Real Housewives of Miami), Karen Huger (The Real Housewives of Potomac), Sunny Hostin (The View) and more.
Well, this looks different … Read, set, go …On Friday (Sept. 6) Quavo dropped a teaser trailer for his fans to his upcoming live-action CGI film “Takeover.” In true sign of the times fashion, the visual was posted on the Gram.
Now it’s just a short clip but it features what appears to be a near-lifelike version of the rapper turned actor tearing up an Atlanta roadway with a child in the backseat – ouch – while a bald man sits in the front passenger seat, holding a gun to Quavo’s side. Okay, now we’re getting somewhere.
The visual is pretty intense and also gives viewers a police chase, blending Atlanta’s street racing culture, specifically street takeovers, with a world of high-stakes crime. Sounds like the logline to us.
Okay, so according to “Variety”, the gist of “Takeover” centers around Gamal Akopyan, the leader of an international heist ring, who uses street takeovers to pull off massive robberies. After his latest heist goes wrong, Akopyan must navigate the dangerous Atlanta takeover scene to escape — with nine figures’ worth of diamonds in tow. In addition to Quavo, actor Billy Zane will also star in the film.
Here’s what Quavo said in a statement:
”Takeover” is unlike anything you’ve seen before and will blow minds. This film brings a whole new vibe that’s about to change the game, and I’m really hyped to share it with my fans.”
If you didn’t know, because we didn’t, Atlanta has become a hot spot for street racing and sideshows, where drivers block off streets to perform car stunts, often in the midst of illegal activities.
Not get this, the film’s hybrid format, combining live-action and animation, aims to capture the allure and controversy of these street takeovers. Interesting artistic take.
ICYMI, Quavo’s acting career has been on the rise since he made his debut alongside his Migos groupmates, Takeoff and Offset, with a guest spot on FX’s “Atlanta” in 2016. He later made his film debut in 2022, appearing alongside Robert De Niro, John Malkovich, and Jack Huston in “Savage Salvation”. In 2023, Quavo landed a prominent role in “Praise This”, and he recently starred in John Travolta’s action-heist film “Cash Out”.
Outside of gracing the big and small screen, Quavo has also contributed to film soundtracks. Alongside generating buzz for “Takeover”, he recently promoted his collaboration with Ty Dolla Sign, “If I Fall”, which will be featured on the soundtrack for “Transformers One”. In the track, Quavo raps, “I’m in my prime, Optimus (Optimus), I’m goin’ big, Megatron,” a nod to the iconic “Transformers” characters. The song will play during the film’s end credits when it hits theaters on September 20.
So the release date for “Takeover” has not yet been announced, the teaser has already stirred excitement among fans. Keep an eye out for further updates on this action-packed film.
Last week, acclaimed director Lee Daniels unveiled his latest film, The Deliverance, on Netflix, receiving rave reviews for its chilling narrative and gripping performances. However, the story behind the scenes may be just as unnerving as the film itself. Daniels, known for pushing the boundaries of cinema, revealed in a recent interview that strange and eerie events plagued the production, despite his efforts to protect the cast and crew from any supernatural influences.
In a candid town hall interview hosted by SiriusXM’s Bevy Smith, Daniels recounted his decision to bring a spiritual deliverer onto the set after reading about the terrifying occurrences that befell the productions of horror classics like The Exorcist and Poltergeist. Daniels wanted to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved, particularly as The Deliverance explores themes of demonic possession and paranormal activity.
“Things happen, and I was not gonna let things happen on my set, and also I needed it for me,” Daniels explained. “And so we prayed before every [scene] — and there’s those of us that don’t believe in prayer.” Despite the prayers and spiritual precautions, several unsettling incidents still transpired, leading Daniels to believe that something otherworldly may have been at play.
Among the most disturbing occurrences was the sudden illness of Daniels’ sister, who has appeared in every one of his films as a good luck charm. Shortly after filming a scene with Glenn Close, she was diagnosed with lung cancer, a shocking and heartbreaking development for the director. “She was in the scene with Glenn in the chemo scene, and she’s the one that sort of gave her attitude in the chemo scene,” Daniels shared. “And two days later, after being in the chemo scene, she was diagnosed with lung cancer — literally. My dog died on the set.”
The film’s star-studded cast, including Glenn Close, Mo’Nique, Andra Day, and Demi Singleton, also experienced strange happenings during production. Mo’Nique, who plays a key role in the thriller, revealed that she was hospitalized after a particularly grueling scene.
“Mr. Daniels had me doing a scene, okay? And we’re outside,” Mo’Nique recounted. “The demon was supposed to be on top of the building, so they kept blowing this — I mean, at one point I’m like, ‘Lee, do we have this s— because I can’t breathe.’ They kept blowing. He was like, ‘One more time. One more time.’ So when I got finished, right, my thyroid was big, I mean, it was just sick. Oh baby. I was like, ‘What kind of s— is this?’ It was a lot of things happening with The Deliverance.”
The Deliverance follows a family in Indiana who become convinced that their house is a portal to hell after experiencing a series of strange and demonic occurrences. The film’s blend of psychological horror and supernatural elements has already captivated audiences, but the real-life events that haunted its production have only added to its mystique.
As The Deliverance continues to gain momentum on Netflix, viewers might find themselves wondering just how much of the horror on screen was influenced by the very real fears and strange occurrences that took place behind the camera. Daniels’ latest work not only challenges the boundaries of the horror genre but also leaves a lingering question: when you delve into the world of the paranormal, can you ever truly protect yourself from what lies beyond?
André 3000, one of Hip Hop’s great craftsmen, writers and performers, brings his woodwind passion full circle today with the world premiere of the album’s official visual component, Listening To The Sun (an intimate album film for New Blue Sun 11/17/2023), a 90-minute long short film (or visual listening session). The feature, directed by Terence Nance (Random Acts of Flyness) and premiered on YouTube, is a performance art piece that finds André physically channeling the spirit of his latest studio album set in a serene, blue-lit setting with his aura and flute taking centerstage.
“I hope you enjoy the ride as much as we did. What you hear is what we did as it was happening,” André 3000 says about the “formations” that comprise New Blue Sun at the onset of his new short film. The artist and multihyphenate, with the help of just a few props (including a lit candle and a traffic cone), provides a captivating visual companion to his first studio album, which will perhaps serve as inspiration for how to experience the eight-track LP.
André was candid with GQ in a November cover story about his inspirations behind the album. “I’d like to make things that when I’m dead and gone 3,000 years from now, people may dig up and find,” he said. “So if that’s sculpting, if that’s actually physical artwork, painting, designing instruments, that’s where I’m at right now.” The Atlanta-bred artist’s audience, cultivated during parts of three decades, is on that journey with him.
New Blue Sun peaked at no. 1 on Billboard’s New Age and Current Alternative Albums charts, as well as Apple Music’s Alternative Albums chart following its release, in addition to a no. 2 peak on iTunes Albums and Apple Music overall albums charts, massive performances for the thematically tangential release. The album’s staying power has matched its intrigue, as it peaks once again at no. 1 on the Current Alternative Albums Chart this week, to go with a no. 2 slot on the LP Vinyl Chart. André and his flute have got something to say, and the world is both listening and witnessing it live. André 3000 will tour his debut LP for the second time this year in September, when he kicks off a 26-date North American trek beginning September 19 in New Orleans, and concludes on November 14 in André’s hometown of Atlanta.
André 3000’s flute path, which has taken him from the Venice coast where he met the manufacturer of his first flute, to a North American tour of his new album, has led him to yet another point on his exploration timeline: Listening to The Sun.
Lionsgate has unveiled “Never Let Go,” a highly anticipated psychological thriller/horror film starring Academy Award® winner Halle Berry, directed by genre maestro Alexandre Aja and produced by 21 Laps. Known for his work on “The Hills Have Eyes” and “Crawl,” Aja brings his unique storytelling flair to this intense and chilling tale.
In “Never Let Go,” Halle Berry delivers a gripping performance as a mother navigating a world overtaken by an evil force lurking just outside her home. Her only protection lies in the strong bond with her twin sons, played by Percy Daggs IV and Anthony B. Jenkins. To survive, the family stays connected at all times, tethered together and urging each other to never let go. But as doubt creeps in and one son questions the nature of the evil, their unity unravels, igniting a desperate battle for survival.
Produced by Shawn Levy, Dan Cohen, Dan Levine, and Alexandre Aja, and written by KC Coughlin and Ryan Grassby, “Never Let Go” promises a harrowing journey filled with suspense and fear. The film’s production team, including executive producers Halle Berry, Holly Jeter, Daniel Clarke, Emily Morris, Christopher Woodrow, and Connor DiGregorio, adds to the formidable lineup behind this thrilling project.
“Never Let Go” is set to challenge the boundaries of fear and courage, with Berry’s mesmerizing performance at its heart, making it a must-see for fans of psychological thrillers and horror alike.
The Los Angeles premiere of The Front Room took place last night at the AMC Grove, drawing a star-studded crowd. Directed by Max and Sam Eggers, this chilling thriller follows newly-pregnant Belinda, played by Brandy Norwood, as she faces the sinister intentions of her mother-in-law, portrayed by Kathryn Hunter. The film, based on a short story by Susan Hill, captivated audiences with its suspenseful narrative. Notable attendees included Andrew Burnap, Neal Huff, and the talented cast and crew. Produced by Lucan Toh, Babak Anvari, David Hinojosa, and Julia Oh, Everything Goes to Hell promises to be a gripping cinematic experience.
(L to R:Andrew Burnap, Kathyrn Hunter, Brandy Norwood) (L to R: Kathyrn Hunter and Brandy Norwood)
The Source had an opportunity to attend the New York City screening of Lionsgate’s ‘1992’, directed by Ariel Vromen, hosted by Chuck Creekmur. This film is a captivating, high-energy drama that immerses viewers in the chaos of the 1992 Los Angeles riots. This action-packed film masterfully weaves together themes of family and survival, delivering a story that’s both thrilling and emotionally resonant.
At the heart of ‘1992’ is Mercer, played by Tyrese Gibson, a shopkeeper determined to rebuild his life and set a positive example for his son amidst the crumbling streets of Los Angeles. As the city spirals into turmoil, Mercer faces intense personal challenges, all while trying to restore a fractured relationship with his son. Gibson’s performance is raw and authentic, portraying a man torn between duty, fear, and hope. His character’s journey strikes a deeply emotional chord as he strives to hold onto his humanity and fatherhood despite the chaos that surrounds him.
Ray Liotta and Scott Eastwood add even more depth to the film as a father-son duo embroiled in a dangerous heist, planned right where Mercer works. Their troubled relationship mirrors Mercer’s own struggles, creating a fascinating parallel that drives the tension throughout the film. Liotta delivers one of his signature hard-edged performances, while Eastwood perfectly captures the vulnerability and resentment of a young man at odds with his father.
However, it’s Christopher A’mmanuel who proves to be the hidden gem of this ensemble cast. His portrayal of Mercer’s son is both heart-wrenching and powerful, bringing innocence to the chaos and contributing to the film’s emotional weight.
Director Ariel Vromen skillfully balances the film’s emotional core with breathtaking action sequences. The city of Los Angeles becomes a character in itself, with the streets crackling with tension, violence, and unrest. The combination of intense standoffs, fiery explosions, and gritty hand-to-hand combat scenes gives ‘1992’ its pulse-pounding rhythm.
But beyond the explosions and gunfire, ‘1992’ excels at exploring the complicated dynamics between fathers and sons. Both Mercer and the heist team’s leader struggle with what it means to be a man and a father in a world that seems to be falling apart. The film asks difficult questions about legacy, racism, responsibility, and survival, while still keeping the audience on the edge of their seats with adrenaline-fueled moments.
Tyrese, Katherine Nunez and Lynn Hobson
‘1992’ is an exhilarating, emotionally charged film that doesn’t shy away from the realities of race, fatherhood, and violence in America. Tyrese Gibson shines in a role that brings depth and humanity to the action genre, while Vromen’s direction is nothing short of suspenseful. Whether you’re drawn in by the action or the emotional stakes, ‘1992’ is a must-watch that stands out as a modern-day thriller with heart.
Catch it on Lionsgate and prepare for a gripping journey into one of the most pivotal moments in LA’s history, where the personal and the political collide in an unforgettable way.
In an industry where authenticity and relatability are paramount, TruLight Films Productions has emerged as a dynamic force, blazing a trail in the world of independent urban cinema. Based in New York, this urban-independent, hip-hop-infused film company has rapidly built a reputation for delivering hard-hitting, culturally resonant stories. With a growing catalog of critically acclaimed films, TruLight Films is not just making movies—they’re shifting the landscape of urban entertainment and positioning themselves as a dominant force in the world of independent film.
Founded five years ago, TruLight Films has quickly become known for its ability to attract top-tier talent from across the entertainment industry. Their films feature a star-studded lineup of actors, influencers, and hip-hop icons. Notable projects include “The Pale White Horse” starring Julito McCullum, Saigon, and Meeko, and “Will You Marry Me” featuring Jamal Woolard, Nya Lee, and Katherine Nunez, both of which are available for streaming on Tubi. Upcoming releases like “Glo” and “Trapped in Temptation” further cement TruLight Films’ dedication to showcasing authentic urban narratives and putting a spotlight on the stories often overlooked by mainstream Hollywood.
At the helm of this cinematic powerhouse is Adrian “Tru” Toscano, the creative visionary and driving force behind TruLight Films. Born and raised in Park Slope, Brooklyn, Tru’s journey into filmmaking began with his service in the U.S. military and later transitioned into music, managing his brother, recording artist Matty Tosca. After picking up a camera in 2016, Tru’s relentless drive and passion quickly propelled him into the spotlight, shooting music videos for some of hip-hop’s biggest names, including Fetty Wap, Smoove L, 6ix 9ine, Rich the Kid, and Lady Luck. His work behind the camera quickly became a visual representation of urban music, infusing his distinct style into the visual elements of hip-hop culture.
But Tru’s ambitions extended far beyond the music industry. His talents as a videographer, director, and editor have allowed him to step into the world of film, creating projects that blend the raw energy of hip-hop with the storytelling depth of urban life. His directorial debut came with the feature films “Hard Laughter” and “Sin”, followed by other notable projects such as “Witness For The Defense” and “Born to Box”. Tru’s style of storytelling—marked by gritty realism, emotional complexity, and a deep connection to urban culture—has become his signature, drawing viewers into narratives that are both compelling and thought-provoking.
In 2022, TruLight Films released the feature films “The Throne” and “Everybody Dies,” distributed by Homestead Entertainment and Dame Dash Studios, further proving the company’s ability to deliver high-quality urban cinema. These projects showcase Tru’s evolution as a filmmaker, blending his early experiences in the hip-hop scene with his ever-growing expertise in the film industry.
Tru’s work speaks to the larger narrative of urban culture and the struggles and triumphs that define it. With each project, he brings fresh perspectives and voices to the screen, amplifying stories that reflect the realities of urban life while resonating with audiences from all walks of life. Whether it’s capturing the raw emotion of a hip-hop track or directing an intense scene in one of his films, Tru’s vision is clear: to create films that leave an impact, both visually and emotionally.
As TruLight Films continues to rise, the company’s growing fan base is a testament to its influence. Their Facebook group, “Best of the Best Tubi Movies,” with over 67.6K members, serves as a hub for avid fans who have come to expect nothing but excellence from the company’s releases.
With a slate of upcoming projects, including “Glo” and “Heartbreak and Homicide,” featuring standout talents like Crystal the Doll, Kaamel Hasaun, and DeJuan Ford, TruLight Films is poised to continue its meteoric rise in the world of independent cinema. As they push the boundaries of urban filmmaking, their influence only grows, making them a force to be reckoned with and cementing their place as the “Urban Kings of Independent Films.”
TruLight Films is more than just a film company; it’s a movement. Under the leadership of Adrian “Tru” Toscano, along with CFO Scott Carlino and Producer Luc Stephen, the company is dedicated to producing films that are not only entertaining but also meaningful. Their dedication to authenticity, coupled with Tru’s background in hip-hop, has allowed them to carve out a unique niche in the film industry, one that continues to grow with each release.
For those looking to experience urban cinema at its finest, TruLight Films is the company to watch. Their films don’t just entertain—they reflect the heartbeat of urban culture, resonating with viewers on a deeply personal level. As they continue to push the envelope, TruLight Films is poised to lead the charge in the next generation of independent urban cinema.
The following post will have spoilers about the Deadpool & Wolverine movie. If you haven’t seen it yet, you need to change that.
In the latest edition of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Wesley Snipes reprised his role as Blade but he is not the only one who could have made a return. Halle Berry revealed to ComicBook.com that she was prepared to become X-Men’s Storm again.
So what was the hold-up? Ryan Reynolds never asked, even after Berry told his wife, Blake Lively, who also made a cameo, that she would join.
“Blake [Lively] asked me one time — I ran into her at a Marc Jacobs fashion show — and she said, ‘Would you ever be in my husband’s movie as Storm?’ I said, ‘Yeah, if he asked me,’ but he never asked me.”
You will be able to see Berry in a new movie on Netflix, The Union, where she stars alongside Mark Wahlberg.
On Monday, August 12, Netflix hosted the Los Angeles premiere and pre-reception of “The Union” at The Egyptian Theater. The event saw the attendance of cast members Mark Wahlberg, Halle Berry, Mike Colter, Jackie Earle Haley, Jessica De Gouw, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Alice Lee, and Patch Darragh, along with producers Stephen Levinson, Jeff Waxman, Jennifer Madeloff, and director Julian Farino.
Directed by Julian Farino, “The Union” features a screenplay by Joe Barton and David Guggenheim, based on a story by David Guggenheim. The film is produced by Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson, and Jeff Waxman, with Jennifer Madeloff serving as executive producer. The cast includes Mark Wahlberg, Halle Berry, Mike Colter, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Jessica De Gouw, Alice Lee, Jackie Earle Haley, and J.K. Simmons.
“The Union” follows the story of Mike (Mark Wahlberg), a construction worker in New Jersey who is thrust back into the world of espionage when his long-lost high school sweetheart, Roxanne (Halle Berry), reappears. She recruits him for a dangerous intelligence mission in Europe, rekindling their romance amidst high-speed car chases and spy intrigue. Directed by Julian Farino, known for his work on “Giri/Haji” and “Entourage,” the film promises a mix of action, romance, and adventure.
Yesterday, Monday, August 12, Netflix hosted the Los Angeles premiere and pre-reception of “The Union” at The Egyptian Theater. The event saw the attendance of cast members Mark Wahlberg, Halle Berry, Mike Colter, Jackie Earle Haley, Jessica De Gouw, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Alice Lee, and Patch Darragh, along with producers Stephen Levinson, Jeff Waxman, Jennifer Madeloff, and director Julian Farino.
Directed by Julian Farino, “The Union” features a screenplay by Joe Barton and David Guggenheim, based on a story by David Guggenheim. The film is produced by Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson, and Jeff Waxman, with Jennifer Madeloff serving as executive producer. The cast includes Mark Wahlberg, Halle Berry, Mike Colter, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Jessica De Gouw, Alice Lee, Jackie Earle Haley, and J.K. Simmons.
“The Union” follows the story of Mike (Mark Wahlberg), a construction worker in New Jersey who is thrust back into the world of espionage when his long-lost high school sweetheart, Roxanne (Halle Berry), reappears. She recruits him for a dangerous intelligence mission in Europe, rekindling their romance amidst high-speed car chases and spy intrigue. Directed by Julian Farino, known for his work on “Giri/Haji” and “Entourage,” the film promises a mix of action, romance, and adventure.
